Cannondale launch new Moterra LT and Moterra E-Bikes

Today sees the launch of the newly revised Cannondale Moterra and Moterra LT with big updates to both bikes. Sharing an all new carbon mainframe they drop a full kilo in frame weight from the previous generation Moterra, while also increasing battery size to 800W and adding compatibility with the new Bosch Powermore range extender for even bigger rides. Not only that but the 800W battery is also removable, creating the option for absolutely massive amounts of vertical per day with a battery swap at the van or cafe. 

Both bikes have also been given entirely new kinematics, geometry sets and build kits, so let’s get into the details and see how they shape up.

A stand alone build, the Moterra LT is perhaps the most exciting of all the new models. Like previous Moterras, it sticks with a Bosch motor but moves onto the new Gen 5 system. Our current favorite E-Bike motor, the Bosch CX delivers plenty of heft at 85Nm and 600W, with an exceptionally natural and well tuned delivery of that power. Wireless controllers and speed sensors reduce routing faff and reliability has been excellent so far as we’d expect from Bosch. 

Using the larger 800W battery option it’s going to deliver some fairly giant ranges, but for those looking for even more it’s also compatible with the Powermore range extender creating the option to set off with a huge 1050W of power onboard. The battery is also easily removable via a downtube door creating the option for mid-ride battery swaps if lapping downhill trails so with a second battery waiting at the van, riding distances are going to be big enough that the only likely limit to how much you can do in a day is likely to be rider fatigue.

At 170mm / 165mm travel with a coil shock and mixed wheel configuration, it’s easy to see what the Moterra LT was designed to do. The geometry has been updated to a good modern set of numbers with the Large now sporting a 475mm reach, a lengthy 1283mm wheelbase, 450mm chainstay and 64’ head angle. That all points to a bike designed to calm high speed sections and keep the rider centred when things get hectic.

Both anti-squat and anti rise have been reduced and are now fairly low which should mean that the suspension stays active whether pedalling or braking and create a supple ride with relatively little kickback through the pedals. All the bikes get adjusted kinematics to suit each size and the smaller sizes also see a shorter rear end employed. Components have been chosen to keep up with the bike intentions, with a Fox 38 and DHX coil providing the suspension, big TRP Evo brakes and a mechanical SRAM T-Type drivetrain making up the core of the build.

As you might expect with the LT being a long bike with coil suspension and a very large and removable battery, it’s not the very lightest bike out there, but at 24.9 kg it's still pretty respectable it's going to manage a longer ride than most of it's competition.

If the LT sounds like a bit too much bike for you, then don’t worry; Cannondale have two more Moterra models intended to cover a far wider range of riding. Using the same front triangle, motor and battery they are based around a 160mm/150mm travel setup and roll on dual 29’ wheels. With adjusted suspension kinematics for air shocks and similar but slightly steeper geometry they look like a well rounded modern E-Bike for a rider looking to take on a wide range of riding, suiting everything from mellow flow trails through to technical descending. 

As with the LT they use the larger 800W battery and so are going to be suitable for some very big days out with a minimum of range anxiety, especially when coupled with the rolling efficiency of the dual 29' wheel setup. The Moterra 1 comes with a full Fox Factory suspension package, SRAM XO T-Type drivetrain and Magura MT7 brakes, while the simpler Moterra 2 uses a Rock Shox Zeb, Deluxe shock and is propelled by a Shimano Cues drivetrain.  Weights for both are just over 24kg.

Stock should be available almost immediately so jump in if you're looking for a solid bike to punch out big days and we'll see if we can get on on board one.

Cannondale Moterra LT £7850, Cannondale Moterra 1 £8950, Moterra 2 £7500 

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